(iii) IGBINEDION - OUR BROTHER'S KEEPER

Chief Igbinedion's philosophy on life in general is characterised by his soft spot for humanity, one example of which was his contribution to the release from prison custody of the late Professor Ambrose Alii, a former Governor of Bendel State. On that occasion, Chief Igbinedion making his handsome contribution in humane and simplistic style said as follows:­

"I am filled with great joy that our brother Chief (Professor) Ambrose Alii, the first Executive Civilian Governor of this State has chosen to pay me a visit today on the first leg of his return home to Ekpoma shortly after regaining his freedom. We are all aware of the unfortunate circumstances that led to his confinement, but all that is now a matter of history. What is important is that through magnanimity of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Ibrahim Babangida, Chief (professor) Ambrose Alii was granted pardon and he now breathes a free air. The Federal Military Government has shown great understanding and willingness that this renowned educationist should be released from prison. What has delayed his release was the condition imposed that he should pay back to the Federal Military Government the sum of N983,OOO.OO which he was accused of having obtained improperly.

I, on my part was motivated to contribute in refunding the money, by the fact that this one-time Governor of our State should not be left to pine away in prison, especially in view of his poor health which confined him to the hospital for a very long time. More than anything else, I was impelled by the feeling of brotherly love, to contribute what I could to obtain his release from confine­ment because I firmly believe that we must be our brother's keeper and share in the plight of our neighbours. I was convinced that the condition which the Federal Military Government imposed for the release of our brother from jail was not insurmountable, nor was it imposed so that he might die in prison.

I have been impressed with the way other politicians from other parts of the country who were in a similar plight as our brother was in, received from people in their immediate communities. I have been inspired to follow the good example because charity begins at home. I am convinced that Chief (professor) Ambrose Alii, no matter his political errors, made serious impact in the development of our State. If nothing else, we owe the Bendel State University, Ekpoma, to his foresight and a sense of total commitment to the educational advancement of our State. I think that in return, we owe him a debt of gratitude for what he was able to achieve.

I do not have too much money, but I am glad to contribute what I could to salvage this eminent scholar in his moment of distress so that he can be re­united with his people whom he had served. We are glad to welcome you home and it is my ardent desire that you regain your health speedily. I like to thank all those who have shown great concern for the plight of this great scholar and politician and particularly, I would like to thank the Federal Military Government for its magnanimity in responding to the wishes of the people of this State (Bendel State) for the release of Chief (professor) Ambrose Alli. I pray that God will bless your home-coming and grant you speedy recovery from your illness."

Chief Igbinedion's contribution to the release of Professor Alli from prison is typical of his goodwill to his fellow human being in distress. It will be recalled that he also exhibited a similar gesture when he offered to feed the unemployed in his Soup Kitchen to mark his 55th Birthday in 1989.

(i) IGBINEION ON THE CONCEPT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR

(ii) IGBINEDION ON CHIEFTAINCY TITLE AND NATIONAL UNITY

(iii) IGBINEDION - OUR BROTHER'S KEEPER

(iv) IGBINEDION ON NIGERIA AND THE DIASPORA

(v) IGBINEDION ON NIGERIA AND CHRISTIANITY

(vi) IGBINEDION ON DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

(vii) IGBINEDION ON LIVING TO WIN IN LIFE AND BUSINESS

CONCLUSION

This website has attempted to unfold Chief Osawaru Igbinedion from the cradle to manhood and from a humble beginning to a position of enermous affluence...READ ON